Asbestos abatement underway at Damen HallChicago, Illinois - Loyola University’s Damen Hall, located in Chicago, Illinois, is slated for demolition. The building, however, is contaminated with asbestos. In order to prevent a disturbance of the hazardous material, asbestos must be removed from the building.
Such abatement process is intricate, and takes time. “Asbestos must be carefully abated before the demolition contractors can begin demolishing the building. This process added extra time to the demolition schedule,” noted Kana Wibbenmeyer, assistant vice-president of facilities.
Due to the intricate process, the building won’t be completely demolished until sometime next year, reports Loyola Phoenix.
Asbestos is a highly toxic material, found in many older homes and buildings. When disturbed, the material can pose a serious health risk to those exposed. Extended exposure to the material has been known to cause several diseases, including mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive asbestos cancer, known to affect 3,000 Americans each year. The disease most commonly affects the internal linings of the lung, heart and abdominal cavities.
Due to the construction, a fence now surrounds the building. “We want people to be as far away as possible from the construction,” Wibbenmeyer said.
Many are happy to see the asbestos contaminated building fall. Damen Hall’s replacement building, named Cuneo Hall, will be constructed shortly after. The building will include general classrooms and group study rooms.
